Local obstruction closes Mid-Modi hydro construction works

PARBAT— Locals have closed down the construction of mid-Modi hydropower project (14.5 MW) being carried out by Chaudhary Group (CG) at Modi Rural Municipality.

Locals of Modi Rural Municipality-2 have halted the project construction works for an indefinite period citing the project ignored compensating the loss caused to houses of local people while digging out tunnel for the project.

Local people have come up with protest when their houses based in Modi Rural Municipality-2 have started falling apart.

Struggle Committee Coordinator Sujan Pokharel said they had to resort to protest when the project remained apathetic to address victims’ demands despite signing of agreements to that end several times.

“We have been deceived several times”, he said, adding that, “The construction works would not be presumed until their demands are met”.

The explosions made during the tunnel construction had caused damages to the houses of Ram Kumari Pokharel, Meghraj Dhungana, Sher Bahadur Khatry, Kham Bahadur Khatry, Meen Kumari Khatry, Maya Khatry, Sabitri Pokharela and Ram Bahadur Khatry. The project has affected 49 houses while one house was completely broken down. Locals have demanded that the project should construct new and safe houses for the victims.

Shrestha died on the spot while Rai breathed his last on the way to a hospital in Hetauda, police added. The tractor (Na 6 Ta 442) was heading to Sindhuli district from Phawarbari in Makawanpur by supplying construction materials.

Those seriously hurt in the incident are Shivamaya Magar, Shakti Rai, Mohan Rai, Krishna Rai and Tilak Rai. The incident site is near Makawanpur-Sindhuli border along Dharan-Chatara road section.